Protection apparatus

ABSTRACT

A protection apparatus is for use with a drink container. The drink container contains a beverage. The protection apparatus includes a coupling member, a transport apparatus coupled to the coupling member, and a drink cover configured to be removably maintained on the transport apparatus. When the drink cover is removed from the transport apparatus, the drink cover is configured to cover and be secured to the drink cup, thereby minimizing undesirable spiking of the beverage within the drink container.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims priority to and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/254,265, filed on Oct. 11, 2021.

BACKGROUND

Drink spiking is the act of one adding alcohol, drugs, and the like to a drink without the permission of another. This can occur when drinks are served at places such as nightclubs, bars, pubs, parties, and restaurants. The act of drink spiking is usually linked to criminal activities like assault and robbery. According to the Office on Women's Health, the most used drugs include Rohypnol, GHB, and Ketamine. This is due to the fact that they're not easily detected as these drugs are odorless, colorless and tasteless. Drink spiking is usually performed at a house party, bars, clubs, and music festivals. The effects it can have include slurring of words, confusion, blacking out, inability to speak, loss of balance, body weakness, vomiting, unconsciousness and much more. Because of these undesirable effects, there is a desire to minimize and/or prevent drink spiking.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustration, there is shown in the drawings certain embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood, however, that the present disclosure is not limited to the precise embodiments and features shown. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the disclosed concept consistent with the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain advantages and principles consistent with the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a protection apparatus, shown as employed with a keychain, in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the protection apparatus of FIG. 1 , shown without the keychain;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the protection apparatus of FIG. 2 , shown with the bag in an unsealed position and a drink cover partially located inside the bag;

FIG. 4 shows a top view of the drink cover in a stretched position;

FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of the drink cover in a stretched position;

FIG. 6 shows an isometric view of a drink container coupled to the drink cover, beside a portion of the protection apparatus; and

FIG. 7 shows a method of using the protection apparatus with a drink container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the embodiments of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The figures and written description are provided to teach any person skilled in the art to make and use the presently disclosed technology. The presently disclosed technology is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Persons of skill in the art will appreciate that the development of an actual commercial embodiment incorporating aspects of the presently disclosed technology will require numerous implementations—specific decisions to achieve the developer's ultimate goal for the commercial embodiment. While these efforts can be complex and time-consuming, these efforts, nevertheless, would be a routine undertaking for those of skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

Further, as the presently disclosed technology is susceptible to embodiments of many different forms, it is intended that the present disclosure be considered as an example of the principles of the presently disclosed technology and not intended to limit the presently disclosed technology to the specific embodiments shown and described. Any one of the features of the presently disclosed technology can be used separately or in combination with any other feature. References to the terms “embodiment,” “embodiments,” and/or the like in the description mean that the feature and/or features being referred to are included in, at least, one aspect of the description. Separate references to the terms “embodiment,” “embodiments,” and/or the like in the description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are also not mutually exclusive unless so stated and/or except as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. For example, a feature, structure, process, step, action, or the like described in one embodiment can also be included in other embodiments, but is not necessarily included. Thus, the presently disclosed technology can include a variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein. Additionally, all aspects of the present disclosure, as described herein, are not essential for its practice. Likewise, other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the presently disclosed technology will be, or become, apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the figures and the description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present inventive concept, and be encompassed by the claims.

As employed herein, the term “coupled” shall mean connected together either directly or through one or more intermediate parts or components.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a protection apparatus 2, shown coupled to a keychain 100, in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept. The protection apparatus 2 is not configured to be worn by a user, but rather is configured to be carried, such as via keychain 100. Further, the protection apparatus 2 is configured to be used by a user independent of personal attributes such as sex (e.g., is usable by any user who is capable of drinking a beverage). The keychain 100 includes a plurality of keys 102, 104, 106, 108. As will be discussed below, protection apparatus 2 is configured for use with a drink container containing a beverage and is an apparatus that advantageously assists in minimizing the likelihood that a beverage will be spiked. Users can carry protection apparatus 2 wherever they go on their keychains, and use it to minimize drink spiking.

Regarding its constituent components, protection apparatus 2 includes a coupling member (e.g., without limitation, keyring 4, which may be metallic), a transport apparatus 10, and a drink cover 30 (see FIGS. 3-5 ) configured to be removably maintained on the transport apparatus 10. The drink cover 30 is not shown in FIG. 1 because of the transport apparatus 10, whose function is to carry and transport the drink cover 30. In the example embodiment, the transport apparatus 10 includes a bag 12, and the drink cover 30 is loosely maintained (e.g., not coupled to) inside the bag 12 when the bag 12 is in a sealed position. However, when the drink cover 30 is removed from the transport apparatus 10, the drink cover 30 is configured to cover and be secured to a drink container, thereby substantially covering the beverage therein and minimizing undesirable spiking. Furthermore, keyring 4 is configured to be coupled to keychain 100 via a keyring connection mechanism, although it will be appreciated that suitable alternative mechanisms for coupling transport apparatus 10 to keychain 100 (or a suitable alternative coupling member), are contemplated herein. For example and without limitation, velcro straps, magnets, and other mechanisms may be employed to couple a transport apparatus to keychain 100.

Protection apparatus 2 is also relatively compact in size, easily allowing it to, for example, be stored in a user's pocket or purse. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2 , the keyring 4 has a diameter D1 and the bag 12 has a height H that is less than three times the diameter D1 of the keyring 4. Furthermore, as shown, the transport apparatus 10 has a latching member 14 that is coupled to the keyring 4. In one example embodiment, the latching member 14 is a fabric loop member. In this manner, keyring 4 can be coupled to bag 12.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the transport apparatus 10 further includes a sealing mechanism 16 that is structured to move the bag 12 between a sealed position corresponding to the drink cover 30 being loosely maintained inside the bag 12, and an unsealed position corresponding to the drink cover 30 being accessible by a user. In other words, in the sealed position, the drink cover 30 generally cannot be accessed and/or removed, by a user without destruction of the bag 12 or the sealing mechanism 16, and in the unsealed position, all a user needs to do is reach inside the bag 12 and pull out the drink cover 30. Stated differently, in the sealed position the bag 12 is closed and in the unsealed position the bag 12 is open such that an opening area of the bag 12 decreases when moving from the unsealed position to the sealed position. That is, the opening area of the bag 12 is at a maximum in the unsealed position and is about zero square meters in the sealed position.

In one example embodiment, the sealing mechanism 16 includes a string 20 and a pull bead 18 coupled to the string 20. The bull bead 18 is configured to move independently with respect to the string 20 in order to move between the sealed and unsealed positions. For example, in the unsealed position of FIG. 3 , the pull bead 18 has been moved away from the bag 12, as compared to the sealed position of FIG. 2 , wherein the pull bead 18 is located at or about the bag 12. It will be appreciated that the string 20 extends through the pull bead 18 such that pull bead 18 is configured to open and close on string 20 in order to allow the two components to be moved with respect to each other. That is, when pull bead 18 is opened, string 20 can be moved (e.g., and/or pull bead can be moved), and when pull bead 18 is closed, bag 12 can be maintained in the sealed position.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show top and bottom views, respectively, of drink cover 30 in a stretched position. It will be appreciated that when loosely maintained inside bag 12, drink cover 30 is in an unstretched position. As shown, drink cover 30 includes a generally circular-shaped cover portion 32, an annular-shaped perimeter portion 34 extending from and surrounding cover portion 32, and a gripping member 36 extending outwardly from the cover portion 32 that has a thru hole for receiving a finger of a user. Each of the cover portion 32 and the perimeter portion 34 is configured to move from a stretched position corresponding to the drink container (see drink container 200 in FIG. 6 ) being covered to an unstretched position corresponding to the drink cover 30 not covering drink container 200. In one example embodiment, cover portion 32 and bag 12 (FIGS. 1-3 ) are each preferably made of a fabric material that is a nylon spandex blend. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 5 , perimeter portion 34 included an annular-shaped elastic band 35 for maintaining drink cover 30 on drink container 200 (FIG. 6 ). Elastic band 35 may be made of a different material than cover portion 32 in order to impart increased elasticity for drink cover 30 onto a drink container.

In one example embodiment, a drink container 200 includes a continuous side wall with a sealed bottom and an open top. The drink container 200 may hold a user's preferred liquid beverage, which can be chilled using ice cubes. Social activities typically involve a liquid beverage that can be alcoholic or can be non-alcoholic. Accordingly, drink cover 30 may be used with the drink container 200 when removed from bag 12. Furthermore, drink cover 30 covers the opening of the drink container 200 by stretching perimeter portion 34 and cover portion 32 over the opening and releasing perimeter portion 34 to conform to the diameter of the opening of the cup. The perimeter portion 34 holds the drink cover 30 tightly over the opening of the cup. It will be appreciated that drink cover 30 protects the liquid beverage by covering the opening and preventing a person from adding additional substances to the liquid beverage. Drink cover 30 also prevents inadvertent objects or substances (i.e., bugs, dust, etc.) from entering the drink container 200.

Additionally, drink cover 30 can be reusable or can be single use, and can be washable. In the illustrated example, cover portion 32 of drink cover 30 is elastic, although it can be inelastic in other examples. While in the illustrated example cover portion 32 is made of a nylon spandex fabric blend material, it will be appreciated that it may be made from any material and/or texture, such as velvet, cotton, polyester, silk, batiste, or the like. Cover portion 32 can also be liquid repellent, and can be any color and/or transparency such as opaque, transparent, or semi-transparent. Moreover, cover portion 32 can further be made of a material that detects when a new material is added to a liquid held in a cup and can provide a visual indicator (e.g., a stain) or cue when a new material is detected.

Perimeter portion 34 can be elastic, or can be static with a pull tie to tighten perimeter portion 34. Perimeter portion 34 stretches over and conforms to a diameter of an opening of a cup when drink cover 30 is utilized to cover the opening. In some examples, perimeter portion 34 can include elastic band 35 which is sewn or adhered to the cover and in other examples, perimeter portion 34 can be a free edge, sewn over edge, or folded over and adhered edge of the cover portion 32.

Furthermore, when cover 30 is secured to a drink container, such as drink container 200 in FIG. 6 , cover portion 32 has a thru hole 33 for receiving straw 202. Thus, the user's beverage inside drink container 200 is substantially covered on all sides (e.g., drink container 200 and drink cover 30 encapsulate the beverage with generally a sole point of egress for the beverage being through straw 202 and thru hole 33). Additionally, thru hole 33 is relatively small, in one example embodiment having a diameter D2 of less than one centimeter, when drink cover 30 is secured to drink container 200.

FIG. 7 shows one method by which protection apparatus 2 can be used, in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept. First, a user can open bag 12 in a manner previously described, and remove drink cover 30. Second, the user can grasp gripping member 36 of drink cover 30. Third, the user can dispose perimeter portion 34 of drink cover 30 around a top portion of drink container 200, as shown in the rightmost portion of FIG. 7 . Finally, the user can insert the straw 202 through the thru hole 33 (FIG. 4 ) and consume the beverage inside drink container 200 and be confident that bad actors will not be able to spike the beverage.

The disclosed concept thus provides individuals with a beneficial extra layer of protection in social situations, and does so in a convenient manner with the device in an easy to remember location. When individuals in social situations need to cover their drinks, they can grab their keychain 100, open bag 12, remove drink cover 30, and quickly/easily place it on a drink to be protected. Moreover, while the disclosed concept has been presented in association with bag 12 for containing drink cover 30, additional transport apparatus which are configured to be coupled to a keychain are contemplated herein. For example, non-bag retaining members may be coupled to keyring 4 (or a suitable alternative coupling member), and be connected to a cover by a suitable mechanism (e.g., snaps, velcro, or a pocket in the retaining member). Subsequent removal of such a cover from a retaining member would allow an individual to be protected in a social situation in substantially the same manner as with use of protection apparatus 2.

It will also be appreciated that removal of drink cover 30 from, and storage back into bag 12, is relatively simple and quick. A user simply must grasp and pull bead 18, pull the drink cover 30 from bag 12 for use, and tuck drink cover 30 back into the bag 12 and pull bead 18 for storage. Quick use and storage of the drink cover 30 allows for the user to use the protection apparatus 2 without interruption of their general social or other experience (e.g., during conversation). The whole process should generally take only a few seconds.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to various implementations, it will be understood that these implementations are illustrative and that the scope of the disclosure is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. More generally, implementations in accordance with the present disclosure have been described in the context of particular implementations. Functionality can be separated or combined in blocks differently in various implementations of the disclosure or described with different terminology. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements can fall within the scope of the disclosure as defined in the claims that follow. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A protection apparatus for use with a drink container, the drink container containing a beverage, the protection apparatus comprising: a coupling member; a transport apparatus coupled to the coupling member; and a drink cover configured to be removably maintained on the transport apparatus, wherein, when the drink cover is removed from the transport apparatus, the drink cover is configured to cover and be secured to the drink container, thereby minimizing undesirable spiking of the beverage within the drink container.
 2. The protection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transport apparatus comprises a bag, and wherein the drink cover is configured to be loosely maintained inside the bag.
 3. The protection apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the transport apparatus further comprises a sealing mechanism structured to move the bag between a sealed position corresponding to the drink cover being loosely maintained inside the bag, and an unsealed position corresponding to the drink cover being accessible by a user.
 4. The protection apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the sealing mechanism comprises a string and a pull bead coupled to the string, the bull bead being configured to move independently with respect to the string in order to move between the sealed and unsealed positions.
 5. The protection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the coupling member is a keyring.
 6. The protection apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the transport apparatus comprises a latching member coupled to the keyring.
 7. The protection apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the latching member is a fabric loop member coupled to the keyring.
 8. The protection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transport apparatus comprises a bag, wherein the drink cover comprises a cover portion, and wherein the bag and the cover portion are each made of a fabric material.
 9. The protection apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the fabric material is a nylon spandex blend.
 10. The protection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drink cover comprises a cover portion and a perimeter portion extending from and surrounding the cover portion, and wherein each of the cover portion and the perimeter portion is configured to move from an unstretched position corresponding to the drink container not being covered to a stretched position corresponding to the drink cover covering and being maintained on the drink container.
 11. The protection apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the perimeter portion comprises an annular-shaped elastic band for maintaining the drink cover on the drink container.
 12. The protection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drink cover comprises a cover portion and a gripping member extending outwardly from the cover portion, and wherein the cover portion is configured to cover and be secured to the drink cup.
 13. The protection apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the gripping member has a thru hole for receiving a finger of a user.
 14. The protection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drink cover comprises a cover portion having a thru hole for receiving a straw; and wherein, when the drink cover is secured to the drink container, the thru hole has a diameter of less than one centimeter.
 15. The protection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transport apparatus comprises a bag having a height, wherein the coupling member is a keyring having a diameter, and wherein the height is less than three times the diameter.
 16. The protection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drink cover is not coupled to the transport apparatus.
 17. A protection apparatus for use with a drink container, the drink container containing a beverage, the protection apparatus comprising: a transport apparatus comprising a bag; and a drink cover removably maintained inside the bag, the drink cover being configured to cover and be secured to the drink container, thereby minimizing undesirable spiking of the beverage within the drink container.
 18. The protection apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the transport apparatus further comprises a sealing mechanism structured to move the bag between a sealed position corresponding to the drink cover being loosely maintained inside the bag, and an unsealed position corresponding to the drink cover being accessible by a user.
 19. The protection apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the sealing mechanism comprises a string and a pull bead coupled to the string, the bull bead being configured to move independently with respect to the string in order to move between the sealed and unsealed positions.
 20. The protection apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the drink cover comprises a cover portion and a perimeter portion extending from and surrounding the cover portion, and wherein each of the cover portion and the perimeter portion is configured to move from an unstretched position corresponding to the drink container not being covered to a stretched position corresponding to the drink cover covering and being maintained on the drink container. 